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Former Church Leader Accused Of Sexual Abuse, Exploitation

Patrick Edouard, the former reverend at the Covenant Reformed Church in Pella was charged Thursday with a total of six felony charges including three counts of sexual exploitation by a counselor, a class D felony and three counts of third degree sexual abuse, a class C felony.

According to Court documents between 2003 and 2010, Edouard engaged in sex acts with four different women on multiple occasions. The alleged acts all took place in Marion County and two took place in Edouard’s former study in a private residence in Pella.

In all cases, the alleged victims came to Edouard for a private counseling session, during which time Edouard performed various sex acts on the victims against their will. Eduoard was released Thursday on $45,000 bond. The Court records allege that Edouard used his pastoral position to learn and eventually exploit his victims’ individual circumstances and weaknesses.

An order of protection has been filed on behalf of the victims against Mr. Edouard, who has since moved to Michigan. KNIA/KRLS News will bring the latest developments on this case as they become official.